System and method for selecting postal indicia size

ABSTRACT

According to some embodiments, a method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that differs from the first dimension, prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia image formats, receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats, and printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to the field of printing postalindicia, and more particularly to selecting postal indicia imageformats.

Postal indicia may be printed on a variety of envelopes, postcards,indicia strip tapes and other mail pieces. However, it may be importantto select postal indicia formats based on the mail piece to be printedupon. More generally, it may be desirable to avoid printing postalindicia images that overlap mail piece edges and/or that overlappre-printed objects on the mail piece.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, systems and methods of operating a postal indicia printingapparatus to select postal indicia image formats are provided.

In one aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus, a firstindicia image format comprising a first dimension. The method mayfurther comprise storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia imageformat comprising a second dimension that corresponds to and differsfrom the first dimension. In some embodiments, the method may continueby prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first andsecond indicia image formats. The method may further comprise receivinga signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and secondindicia image formats. According to some embodiments, the method maycomprise printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance withthe selected indicia image format.

The method may further comprise recommending one of the first and secondindicia image formats to the user. In some embodiments, the prompting ofthe user may comprise determining a type of the mail piece, determiningthat the first and second indicia image formats are associated with thetype of the mail piece, and prompting the user to select one of thefirst and second indicia image formats.

In some aspects, the signal indicative of a selection of one of thefirst and second indicia image formats may comprise an indication thatprinting resources are desired to be conserved. The printing resourcesmay comprise, for example, at least one of ink, toner, power, or memory.

According to some embodiments, the signal indicative of a selection ofone of the first and second indicia image formats may comprise anindication defining at least one dimension associated with the mailpiece that corresponds to the first and second dimensions. The methodmay further comprise comparing the at least one dimension associatedwith the mail piece with at least one of the corresponding first orsecond dimensions, and determining that at least one of thecorresponding first or second dimensions are smaller than or equal tothe at least one dimension associated with the mail piece. The methodmay continue by notifying the user of the at least one of thecorresponding first or second dimensions determined to be smaller thanthe at least one dimension associated with the mail piece.

In another aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus, a firstindicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in theapparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimensionthat correspond to and differs from the first dimension, determining asize of a mail piece, selecting one of the indicia image formats basedat least in part on the determined size of the mail piece, and printing,on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selectedindicia image format. The selecting may comprise, for example, comparingthe first and second dimensions to the size of the mail piece,determining that at least one of the first and second dimensions aresmaller than the size of the mail piece, and selecting at least one ofthe first and second indicia image formats based on the determinationthat at least one of the first and second dimensions are smaller thanthe size of the mail piece.

In some embodiments, the indicia image format associated with thesmaller of the first and second dimensions may be selected such that theindicia image printed in accordance with the indicia image format willnot overrun an edge of the mail piece.

In yet another aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus, afirst indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in theapparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimensionthat corresponds to and differs from the first dimension, identifying alocation of an object printed on a mail piece, selecting one of theindicia image formats based at least in part on the identified locationof the object printed on the mail piece, and printing, on the mailpiece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia imageformat.

In some embodiments, the object printed on the mail piece comprises atleast one of a facing indication mark, a postage guide, a returnaddress, or a barcode. In some aspects, the object printed on the mailpiece comprises multiple objects. According to some embodiments, theidentifying of the location of the object may comprise sensing, by theapparatus, the location of the object printed on the mail piece. Thesensing may, for example, be conducted by directing a signal toward themail piece.

The method may continue by altering the selected indicia image formatbased at least in part on the identified location of the object printedon the mail piece. The altering may comprise, for example, rearrangingat least one portion of the indicia image format such that the indiciaimage format, when printed on the mail piece, does not overlap theobject printed on the mail piece. In some aspects, the altering maycomprise reducing a font size used within the indicia image format ordeleting human-readable information from the indicia image format.

In still another aspect, a system comprises a postal indicia printingapparatus, comprising, a sensor to identify a mail piece, a memorydevice to store a plurality of postal indicia image formats, a processorto automatically select one of the plurality of postal indicia imageformats, wherein the selection is based at least in part on theidentified mail piece, and a printing device to print, on the identifiedmail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected postalindicia image format. In some embodiments, the sensor may be further tolocate one or more objects printed on the identified mail piece. In someaspects, the indicia image, when printed in accordance with the indiciaimage format, may not overlap the one or more objects printed on theidentified mail piece. According to some embodiments, the indicia image,when printed in accordance with the indicia image format, may notoverlap an edge of the mail piece. Further, one of the plurality ofpostal indicia image formats may comprise a dimension that differs froma corresponding dimension of a second one of the plurality of postalindicia image formats.

Therefore, it should now be apparent that the claimed embodimentssubstantially achieve all the above aspects and advantages. Additionalaspects and advantages of the claimed embodiments will be set forth inthe description that follows, and in part will be discernable from thedescription, and/or may be learned by practice of the embodiments.Various features and embodiments are further described in the followingdrawings, description, and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of some embodiments, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription given below, serve to explain various principles of someembodiments. Where it has been practicable and/or convenient, likereference numerals have been used to designate like and/or correspondingparts or procedures.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to some embodiments, systems and methods may allow a user of apostal indicia printing apparatus to select an indicia image format toprint an indicia image on a mail piece. Typical postal indicia imageprinting apparatus do not allow such a selection, and instead printindicia images using a single postal indicia image format on all mailpieces. Other features such as advertising slogans, graphics, postalendorsements or inscriptions, and/or tracking barcodes may be added tothe standard postal indicia image format, but no alternate postalindicia image format may be selected by the user. In another embodiment,portions or fields of the postal indicia may be printed using a postalindicia field priority process. The field priority may be preset orvariable and an illustrative priority is shown herein.

In some circumstances, such as in the case that the mail piece is asmall postcard and/or includes a pre-printed object (e.g., a returnaddress field, an address field, a barcode, a Facing Indication Mark(FIM), and/or a postage guide), the standard postal indicia imageformat, when used to print an indicia image on the mail piece, mayoverlap the pre-printed objects and/or may overrun the mail pieceitself. According to some embodiments, a user operating a postal indiciaprinting apparatus may select from a plurality of available postalindicia image formats. The user may, for example, select a “shorter”postal indicia image format for use on small postcards and/or may selecta “modified” version of a postal indicia image format to print anindicia image without overlapping pre-printed objects. According to someembodiments, the postal indicia printing apparatus may automaticallydetermine and/or select a postal indicia image format to utilize toprint an indicia image on the mail piece.

As used herein, the terms “printed” and/or “pre-printed” may refer toany form of printing, recording, embossing, etching, and/or any othermethod for affixing, temporarily or permanently, an object to a medium.In some embodiments for example, an object (e.g., a return address labeland/or a barcode) may be printed on a sticker which is adhered to a mailpiece. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the adhering of thesticker to the mail piece may be considered “printing” the object on themail piece.

Some embodiments herein are associated with a “postal indicia imageformat”. As used herein, the term “postal indicia image format” mayrefer to any information, data, signal, configuration, layout, and/orany other object associated with a postal indicia and/or a postalindicia image. According to some embodiments, a postal indicia imageformat may be or include a format and/or layout defining one or moreprinting attributes associated with a postal indicia and/or postalindicia image. The postal indicia image format may, for example, definehow various portions of a postal indicia image (e.g., machine-readableand/or human-readable data) are to be printed.

According to some embodiments, postal indicia image formats may definedifferent and/or various dimensions and/or may otherwise define variouslayouts of postal indicia portions. In some embodiments, one or morepostal indicia formats may result in and/or produce shorter, longer,narrower, and/or wider indicia images than other postal indicia imageformats. Some postal indicia image formats may be configured and/orcustomized for printing on certain mail piece types and/or may otherwisedefine various layouts and/or printing attributes or parameters. In someembodiments, postal indicia image formats may be stored in any formand/or medium that is or becomes known or practicable. Postal indiciaimage formats may be stored, for example, as images, data files,database files, and/or templates. In some embodiments, a postal indiciaimage format may be prescribed and/or approved by a postal authoritysuch as the U.S. Postal Service.

As used herein, the terms “information” and “data” may be usedinterchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video, image,message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other type orconfiguration of signal and/or information. Information may be orinclude, for example, a data field in the form of a two-dimensionalbarcode such as a barcode printed in accordance with the“Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) Indicium Specification”,published by the U.S. Postal Service, Jun. 13, 1996. Information may,according to some embodiments, be compressed, encrypted, and/orotherwise packaged or manipulated in accordance with any method that isor becomes known or practicable.

In addition, some embodiments described herein are associated with an“indication”. As used herein, the term “indication” may be used to referto any information indicative of or associated with a subject, item,entity, and/or other object and/or idea. As used herein, the phrase“information indicative of” may be used to refer to any information thatrepresents, describes, and/or is otherwise associated with a relatedentity, subject, or object. An indication of information may include,for example, a code, a reference, a link, a signal, an identifier,and/or any combination thereof and/or any other informativerepresentation associated with the information. In some embodiments, anindication of information may be or include the information itselfand/or any portion or component of the information. In some embodiments,an indication may include a request, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/orany other form of information gathering and/or dissemination.

Referring first to FIG. 1A, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece102 is shown. The various diagrams provided and described herein aredepicted for use in explanation, but not limitation, of describedembodiments. Different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations ofany of the diagrams described herein may be used without deviating fromthe scope of some embodiments. Fewer or more components than are shownin relation to the diagrams described herein may be utilized withoutdeviating from some embodiments.

The exemplary mail piece 102 may, according to some configurations,comprise a small mail piece such as a postcard. The exemplary mail piece102 may comprise, for example, an address component 104 and/or a returnaddress component 106. In some configurations, the mail piece 102 mayalso or alternatively comprise a postal indicia image 120. The postalindicia image 120 may, for example, be printed on the mail piece 102(e.g., by a personal postage meter such as a Pitney Bowes® PersonalPost™ Postage Meter). In some configurations, the mail piece 102 maycomprise fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. 1A.

According to some configurations, the mail piece 102 may define one ormore dimensions such as the mail piece 102 length dimension 150. Themail piece 102 may, for example, be a postcard having a mail piece 102length dimension 150 of substantially five inches. In someconfigurations, the mail piece 102 may also or alternatively definedifferent dimensions (not labeled and/or shown in FIG. 1A). Thecomponents 104, 106 of the mail piece 102 may also or alternativelydefine one or more dimensions. The return address component 106 may, forexample, define the return address length dimension 152.

In some configurations, the postal indicia image 120 may define one ormore dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the postal indiciaimage 120 may define the postal indicia length dimension 154. In someconfigurations, the various dimensions 150, 152, 154 may becorresponding dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, all of thedimensions 150, 152, 154 are horizontal length dimensions. Othercorresponding dimensions may also or alternatively be utilized accordingto some configurations. In some configurations, the postal indicia image120 may be printed in the upper-right corner of the mail piece 102(e.g., as is standard practice in accordance with U.S. Postal Serviceregulations). In the case that the postal indicia image 120 is printedin the upper-right corner of the mail piece 102, the postal indiciaimage 120 may overlap one or more components 104, 106 of the mail piece102.

As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the return address length dimension152 (e.g., justified to the upper-left of the mail piece 102) and thepostal indicia length dimension 154 may overlap to define the overlapdimension 156. In other words, the mail piece 102 length dimension 150may be smaller than the combination of the return address lengthdimension 152 and the postal indicia length dimension 154. In the casethat the return address 106 is left-justified on the mail piece 102 andthe postal indicia image 120 is right-justified on the mail piece 102,the postal indicia image 120 may overlap (e.g., defining the overlapdimension 156) the return address 106.

According to some configurations, the postal indicia length dimension154 may be greater than the mail piece 102 length dimension 150 (notshown). The postal indicia image 120 may, for example, comprise moreinformation than is shown in FIG. 1A, causing the postal indicia image120 to overrun an edge (e.g., the left edge) of the mail piece 102. Thepostal indicia image 120 may, for example, comprise any number and/orcombination of advertising slogans, postal endorsements and/orinscriptions, tracking barcodes, and/or other information and/or images.In some configurations for example, the postal indicia length dimension154 may be greater than five inches (e.g., the minimum length of apostcard or envelope in accordance with U.S. Postal Serviceregulations).

Turning now to FIG. 1B, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece 102is shown. The exemplary mail piece 102 may be similar to the mail piece102 described in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The mail piece 102 may,according to some configurations, comprise a pre-printed business-sizereturn envelope. The mail piece 102 may, for example, comprise anaddress component 104, a return address template component 106, a FacingIndication Mark (FIM) component 108, and/or a postage guide component110. In some configurations, a postal indicia image 120 may be printedon the mail piece 102. The components 104, 106, 120 of the mail piece102 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to thesimilarly-named (and/or numbered) components described in conjunctionwith FIG. 1A. In some configurations, fewer or more components than areshown in FIG. 1B may be included in the mail piece 102.

In some configurations, the postal indicia image 120 may be the samepostal indicia image 120 described in conjunction with FIG. 1A. Thepostal indicia image 120 may, for example, be or include a standardand/or default image printed on all mail pieces. Even though theinformation contained within the postal indicia image 120 may becustomized for a particular entity, date, and/or mailing, the format ofthe postal indicia image 120 may remain the same. In someconfigurations, utilizing the same postal indicia image 120 (and/or sameimage format) for different mail pieces 102 (and/or mail types) may beproblematic. For example, while the postal indicia image 120 printed onthe pre-printed return envelope 102 does not overlap the return addresstemplate component 106 in FIG. 1B, the same postal indicia image 120printed on the smaller postcard 102 in FIG. 1A does overlap the returnaddress component 106.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the postal indicia image 120 may also oralternatively be problematic when printed on the pre-printed returnenvelope 102. The postal indicia image 120 may, for example, overlap thepre-printed FIM component 108 and/or the pre-printed postage guidecomponent 110 on the mail piece 102. At least for these reasons, systemsand methods of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus to selectpostal indicia image formats are desirable.

Referring to FIG. 2, for example, a method 200 according to someembodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 200 may beconducted by and/or by utilizing the mail pieces 102 and/or may beotherwise associated with the mail pieces 102 and/or any of theassociated components described in conjunction with any of FIG. 1Aand/or FIG. 1B. The method 200 may, for example, be performed by and/orotherwise associated with a mail piece such as the mail piece 102described herein.

The flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily imply a fixedorder to the actions, and embodiments may be performed in any order thatis practicable. Note that any of the methods described herein may beperformed by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware, manualmeans, or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium maystore thereon instructions that when executed by a machine result inperformance according to any of the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may begin at 202 to store a firstindicia format. A postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example,store a first postal indicia image format. The indicia image format maybe stored in any manner and/or in any medium that is or becomes known orpracticable. In some embodiments, the indicia image format may be storedin a database and/or in a memory device associated with the postalindicia printing apparatus.

According to some embodiments, the postal indicia format may comprise atemplate, an image, code, and/or other instructions defining one or moreprinting characteristics and/or parameters associated with a postalindicia image. Various portions of a postal indicia image may, forexample, be located in different areas and/or positioned differently inaccordance with different indicia image formats. According to someembodiments, some indicia image formats may be customized and/orotherwise configured for printing indicia images on certain mail piecetypes. In some embodiments, the postal indicia image format may be orinclude a standard and/or default format.

The method 200 may continue, according to some embodiments, to store asecond indicia image format at 204. The second indicia image format may,in some embodiments, be stored by a postal indicia printing apparatus(e.g., such as the apparatus that stores the first indicia imageformat). The second indicia image format may, for example, be an indiciaimage format that is different than a standard and/or default indiciaimage format (e.g., the first indicia image format). In someembodiments, the indicia image format may be customized for specificmail piece types and/or to overcome certain difficulties and/orproblems. The second indicia image format may, for example, be ashortened version of the first indicia image format, configured forprinting indicia images on small mail pieces such as postcards. In otherwords, the second indicia image format may comprise a length dimensionthat differs from a corresponding (i.e., length) dimension of the firstindicia image format.

According to some embodiments, the method 200 may continue to prompt auser to select one of the indicia image formats, at 206. The postalindicia printing apparatus may, for example, cause a menu item to bedisplayed (e.g., on a display screen and/or Graphical User Interface(GUI)) that allows a user operating the apparatus to choose whichindicia image format to utilize to print an indicia image on the mailpiece. The user may, according to some embodiments, realize that thefirst indicia image format (e.g., a standard and/or default format) maycause an indicia image to overlap pre-printed objects on the mail pieceand/or an edge of the mail piece.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may sense pre-printed objects on themail piece and/or may determine (e.g., from the postal rate class) thatthe size of the mail piece may not be appropriate and/or desirable foruse with the first indicia image format (e.g., a standard indicia imageformat). According to some embodiments, the apparatus may also oralternatively recommend one of the indicia image formats to the user. Inthe case that the apparatus determines that the mail piece is a smallpostcard (e.g., utilizing a scanner and/or other device), for example,the apparatus may prompt the user by recommending and/or suggesting thatthe second indicia image format (e.g., a shortened indicia image formatconfigured for printing indicia images on postcards) be chosen forprinting an indicia image on the postcard mail piece. In someembodiments, the apparatus may determine that a potential conflictbetween one of the postal indicia image formats and the mail piece(e.g., pre-printed objects on the mail piece and/or the size of the mailpiece) exists, and may notify the user of such conflict and/or potentialconflict.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may continue at 208 to receive asignal indicative of a selection of one of the indicia image formats.The user of the apparatus may, for example, select one of the storedindicia image formats from a menu, GUI, and/or other input deviceassociated with the postal indicia printing apparatus. In someembodiments, the signal may be received as a response from the promptingat 206. The user may, for example, view and/or otherwise receive theprompt from the apparatus and may then select one of the indicia imageformats for use in printing an indicia image on the mail piece.

According to some embodiments, the user may select one of the indiciaimage formats and/or the apparatus may receive the signal indicative ofthe selection without the user having been prompted at 206. In otherwords, the user may be aware that multiple indicia image formats areavailable and may select one of the indicia image formats withoutrequiring a prompt (and/or before receiving a prompt) from theapparatus. One or more keys, buttons, soft keys, and/or other inputdevices may, for example, be pre-designated for selection of postalindicia image format selection. In the case that the first indicia imageformat is a standard format and the second indicia image format is ashortened version (e.g., for use on small mail pieces), for example, thefirst indicia format may automatically be used by the apparatus (e.g., adefault indicia image format) unless the user activates a certain keyand/or key combination.

In some embodiments, a keyboard of the apparatus may, for example,comprise a key and/or toggle labeled “Shortened Indicia”. The keyboardmay also or alternatively comprise a template that shows the user whichkeystroke combination may be used to select the second indicia imageformat. According to some embodiments, such as in the case that morethan two indicia image formats are available and/or stored by theapparatus, the user may be able to scroll through and/or otherwiseselect any one of the indicia image formats for use in printing anindicia image on the mail piece.

The user may select one of the indicia image formats for a variety ofreasons. The user may, for example, choose a shortened and/or modifiedindicia image format to prevent the indicia image from overlapping oneor more pre-printed objects on the mail piece. Similarly, the user maychoose a shortened version of an indicia image to prevent the indiciaimage from overrunning an edge of the mail piece. In some embodiments,the user may also or alternatively select an indicia image format toconserve printing resources. The user may, for example, select asmaller, shorter, and/or less complex indicia image format to reduce theamount of ink, toner, memory, and/or power required to print the indiciaimage on the mail piece.

While a standard indicia image format may require a certain amount ofink, toner, memory, and/or power, for example, other indicia imageformats may require and/or may be configured to require lesser amountsof any such printing resources. In some embodiments, the prompting at206 may be based at least in part on conservation of printing recourses.In the case that the apparatus determines that a printing resource isrunning low, for example, the apparatus may prompt the user to notifythe user of the problem and/or may recommend that a particular indiciaimage format be selected in response to the problem.

The method 200 may continue at 210, for example, to print an indiciaimage in accordance with the selected indicia image format on the mailpiece. Any method of printing the postal indicia image on the mail piecethat is or becomes known or practicable may be used. In someembodiments, the selected indicia image format may comprise data fieldsthat may be populated with information prior to being utilized to printan indicia image on the mail piece. The indicia image format may, forexample, define where and/or how various portions of information and/ordata (e.g., postal rate, postal rate class, meter number, zip codeand/or other information) are to be printed. The required informationmay, according to some embodiments, be retrieved (e.g., from a databaseand/or file) and utilized to populate the fields defined by the indiciaimage format. In such a manner, for example, any required and/or desiredpostal information may be printed on a mail piece utilizing an indiciaimage format selected by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece 302according to some embodiments is shown. The exemplary mail piece 302 maybe similar to the mail pieces 102 described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B. The mail piece 302 may, according to someembodiments, comprise a small mail piece such as a postcard. The mailpiece 302 may, for example, comprise an address component 304 and/or areturn address component 306. In some embodiments, a postal indiciaimage 320 may be printed on the mail piece 302. The components 304, 306,320 of the mail piece 302 may be similar in configuration and/orfunctionality to the similarly-named (and/or numbered) componentsdescribed in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B. In someconfigurations, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. 3A maybe included in the mail piece 302.

In some embodiments, the postal indicia image 320 may be printed inaccordance with and/or by the method 200 described in conjunction withFIG. 2. The postal indicia image 320 may, for example, comprise ashortened and/or modified indicia image format selected to preventand/or otherwise avoid overlap printing on the mail piece 302. As shownin FIG. 3A, for example, the postal indicia image 320 may be a condensedand/or shorter version of the postal indicia image 120 shown in FIG. 1Aand FIG. 1B. The mail piece 302 length dimension 350 may, for example,be greater than the combination of the return address length dimension352 and the postal indicia length dimension 354. In other words, thepostal indicia length dimension 354 may be substantially small enough tonot overlap the return address component 306.

Similarly, the postal indicia length dimension 354 may be substantiallysmall enough to not overrun an edge of the mail piece 302. The postalindicia image 320 may be formatted and/or configured, for example, sothat printing of the postal indicia image 320 on the mail piece 302 doesnot obscure and/or otherwise compromise any required and/or desiredpostal (and/or other) information. In the exemplary mail piece 302, forexample, the postal indicia image 320 may be a modified version of astandard postal indicia image such as the indicia image 120 described inconjunction with FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

For example, the “shortened” postal indicia image 320 lacks the eagleimage included within the indicia image 120, and other data and/orinformation within the indicia image 320 is rearranged to shorten thepostal indicia length dimension 354. In some embodiments, the font usedin the indicia image 320 may also or alternatively be reduced (e.g., toa minimum allowable and/or readable font) and/or other human-readableinformation and/or all human-readable information may be omitted. Onlythose portions of the indicia image 320 required by applicable postalregulations (e.g., the two-dimensional barcode and/or anothermachine-readable indicia) may, for example, be printed on the mail piece302.

In some embodiments, a user may be presented with multiple possibleindicia formats to choose from. There may, for example, be manyformatting alternatives that accomplish the desired shortening of theindicia image 320. According to some embodiments, the user may select anindicia image 320 that is preferred, desired, and/or otherwise intendedfor use. In some embodiments, the user (and/or the postal indiciaprinting apparatus) may customize, modify, and/or alter an indicia image320 and/or an associated indicia image format. The user may, forexample, manually modify a standard indicia image format to create theshortened indicia image 320. In such a manner, for example, the user mayselect an indicia image format appropriate for the mail piece 302 whileretaining control over which portions (if any) of the indicia image 320are altered and/or omitted (e.g., to prevent overlap and/or overrunprinting and/or conserve printing resources).

Turning to FIG. 3B, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece 302according to some embodiments is shown. The mail piece 302 may besimilar to the mail pieces 102, 303 described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and/or FIG. 3A. The mail piece 302 may, according tosome embodiments, comprise a pre-printed business-size return envelope.The mail piece 302 may, for example, comprise an address component 304,a return address template component 306, an FIM component 308, and/or apostage guide 310. In some embodiments, a postal indicia image 320 maybe printed on the mail piece 302. The components 304, 306, 308, 310, 320of the mail piece 302 may be similar in configuration and/orfunctionality to the similarly-named (and/or numbered) componentsdescribed in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and/or FIG. 3A.In some configurations, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG.3B may be included in the mail piece 302.

In some embodiments, the postal indicia image 320 may be substantiallythe same length (e.g., have substantially the same the postal indicialength dimension 354) as the postal indicia image 120, 320 described inconjunction with any of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and/or FIG. 3A. The postalindicia image 320 may, according to some embodiments, be modified (e.g.,from the standard, default, and/or other indicia image format) to notoverlap either or both of the FIM component 308 and the postage guide310. For example, portions of the indicia image 320 may be omitted,reduced in size and/or font, and/or otherwise shortened and/or moved toprevent conflict with any or all objects pre-printed on the mail piece302.

As shown in FIG. 3B, for example, the postal indicia image 320 may bealtered to fit between, below, and/or around either or both of the FIMcomponent 308 and the postage guide 310. In some embodiments, the eagleimage may, for example, be shortened and/or otherwise altered to allowit to fit between the FIM component 308 and the postage guide 310.Similarly, the data fields may be arranged to fit between and/or underthe components 308, 310, while the two-dimensional barcode and/or the“non profit organization” slogan may be printed to the left of the FIMcomponent 308.

In some embodiments, the altered indicia image 320 may be longer thanthe standard and/or default indicia image (e.g., the indicia image 120).At least because overlapping the return address template 306 may not beof great concern on longer mail pieces 302 like business-size envelopes,for example, the length of the indicia image 320 may be extended tofacilitate avoidance of the pre-printed components 308, 310. Accordingto some embodiments, such as in the case where pre-printed objects areto be avoided on a small mail piece such as a postcard, the indiciaimage 320 may need to be shortened as well as restructured to preventpre-printed object overlapping and/or mail piece 302 overrunning.

According to some embodiments, a postal indicia image format may beselected automatically by the postal indicia image printing apparatus.Referring to FIG. 4, for example, a flow diagram of a method 400according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method400 may be similar to the method 200 described herein. The method 400may, for example, be utilized and/or carried out to select and/or printpostal indicia images of various formats on mail pieces (e.g., mailpieces 102, 302). According to some embodiments, the postal indiciaimage formats may be selected to prevent object overlap on the mailpiece, prevent overrun of the mail piece itself, and/or to conserveprinting resources.

The method 400 may begin at 402, according to some embodiments, to storea plurality of indicia image formats. A postal indicia printingapparatus may, for example, store and/or otherwise have access tovarious images, templates, and/or other information associated withmultiple indicia image formats. The formats may, in some embodiments,comprise different layouts and/or dimensions. Some of the indicia imageformats may be configured for small mail pieces and/or some of theindicia image formats may be configured to print indicia images onpre-printed return envelopes (such as the envelopes 102, 302 of FIG. 1Band FIG. 3B). Some indicia image formats may comprise fields forprinting various postal and/or user information, and other indicia imageformats may comprise different fields and/or different information.

At 404, the method 400 may continue to determine a type of a mail piece.The postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, scan an insertedmail piece to determine mail piece dimensions. In some embodiments, auser may provide an indication of the mail piece type by, for example,entering a code associated with a particular mail piece type and/orpostal rate class. According to some embodiments, such as in the casethat the postal indicia printing apparatus stores various mail piecestock and/or is otherwise capable of selecting various mail piece typesfor printing, the apparatus may automatically determine and/or selectthe mail piece type.

The method 400 may continue at 406, for example, to select an indiciaimage format. In some embodiments, such as described in conjunction withthe method 200, a user may select the indicia image format. According tosome embodiments, the apparatus may automatically select the indiciaimage format (e.g., without requiring substantial input from the user).The apparatus may, for example, provisionally select an indicia imageformat such as a standard and/or default indicia image format. In someembodiments, the user may pre-specify and/or select an indicia imageformat for the apparatus to utilize as a standard and/or default indiciaimage format.

According to some embodiments, the method 400 may continue at 408 bydetermining whether the selected indicia image format will fit on themail piece. The determination at 408 may, for example, be a preliminarydetermination to check whether the selected indicia image format isappropriate for the mail piece and/or mail piece type. A standardindicia image format may, for example, not be appropriate for printingon a postcard because the standard indicia image may overrun an edge ofthe postcard. According to some embodiments, the determination at 408may be made after all postal indicia image components, such asadvertising slogans, postal endorsements or inscriptions, and/ortracking barcodes, have been selected (e.g., by a user) and/ordetermined. In some embodiments, the determination may be made bycomparing one or more dimensions of the mail piece with one or moredimensions of the selected indicia image format. In the case that theindicia image format dimension is larger than the dimension of the mailpiece, the indicia image format may be determined not to fit on the mailpiece.

If it is determined that the indicia image format may not fit on themail piece, the method 400 may continue at 410 to determine whether theindicia image may be adjusted to fit on the mail piece. The indiciaimage format may, for example, be adjusted by reducing font and/or imagesizes, omitting human-readable information, and/or rearranging theplacement and/or organization of indicia information. According to someembodiments, various criteria (e.g., defined by a user) may govern thedetermination as to whether the indicia image format may be modified tofit the mail piece.

In the case that a user indicates that certain information and/orindicia objects are necessary and/or not to be modified, for example,the indicia image format may not be capable of avoiding overrunning anedge of the mail piece. In some embodiments, if the indicia image formatdoes not fit the mail piece and/or may not be modified (and/or easilymodified) to fit the mail piece, the method 400 may revert to 406 toselect a different indicia image format. In some embodiments, theapparatus may iterate through indicia image format selections until anindicia image format is selected that does fit on the mail piece and/ormay be adjusted to fit on the mail piece.

According to some embodiments, if the indicia image format can beadjusted to fit the mail piece, the method 400 may proceed to 412 toadjust the indicia image format. The indicia image format may beadjusted, for example, to fit within the boundaries of the mail pieceand/or to fit within a designated print area of the mail piece. A usermay, for example, define various margins, setbacks, and/or otherconstraints or criteria defining the designated print area for the mailpiece. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to enter and/ordefine the designated print area. The designated print area may bedefined for each and/or every individual mail piece and/or may bedefined for one or more classes or types of mail pieces.

In some embodiments, such as in the case that the apparatus stores oneor more indicia image formats for various mail piece types, thedeterminations at 408 and/or 410 may be unnecessary. For example, in thecase that the apparatus determines the mail type at 404, the selectionof the indicia at 406 may be based upon the determined mail type. Insome embodiments for example, such as in the case that the mail piece isdetermined to be a postcard and/or other small mail piece, the apparatusmay select a standard and/or default indicia image associated with thepostcard and/or small mail type. The indicia image format may, forexample, be selected from a group of indicia image formatspre-determined to fit on mail pieces of the associated mail type (e.g.,postcards). According to some embodiments, the method 400 may proceeddirectly from the indicia image format selection at 406 to the processat 414.

The method 400, whether continuing from the indicia image formatselection at 406 or the indicia image format adjustment at 412, may,according to some embodiments, continue at 414 to identify any objectsprinted on the mail piece. The postal indicia printing apparatus may,for example, direct a signal toward the mail piece (e.g., in the casethat the mail piece is inserted into and/or passed through theapparatus). In some embodiments, the signal (and/or a portion thereof)may be bounced back to a receiver of the apparatus. The receipt of thesignal by the apparatus, the form, content, and/or other informationassociated with the signal may, for example, indicate the presenceand/or location of any or all objects printed on the mail piece.According to some embodiments, the mail piece may be scanned by theapparatus utilizing any method and/or procedure for scanning documentsthat is or becomes known or practicable.

In some embodiments, a user may indicate to the apparatus that one ormore objects are printed on the mail piece. The user may, for example,designate one or more areas of the mail piece (e.g., by entering marginsand/or otherwise defining locations and/or sizes of pre-printed objects)that may be occupied by one or more pre-printed objects. In someembodiments, the user may also or alternatively designate and/or defineone or more areas of the mail piece that are free of pre-printed objects(i.e., clear print areas). Pre-printed objects may include, for example,but are not limited to, return addresses and/or return address templatesor guides, addresses and/or address templates or guides, barcodes (suchas tracking barcodes), FIM objects, logos, postage guides, and/or anycombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, an object “printed” on the mail piece may comprisean object adhered to the mail piece and/or an object that creates adiscontinuity in the mail piece surface. Such objects may include, forexample, but are not limited to, stickers, address and/or return addresslabels, address and/or return address windows (including cellophaneand/or laminated windows), and/or any combinations thereof.

The method 400 may continue at 416, according to some embodiments, bydetermining whether the indicia image format may overlap an identifiedobject. The size and/or position of the indicia image format may, forexample, be compared to the size and/or position of any pre-printedobjects determined to be on the mail piece. In the case that theselected indicia image format is determined not to overlap any objectson the mail piece, the method 400 may continue at 418 to print, on themail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the indicia imageformat. Any data fields defined by the indicia image format may, forexample, be populated and the resulting indicia image may be printed onthe mail piece.

In the case that the indicia image format is determined to overlap oneor more objects on the mail piece, the method 400 may continue at 420 todetermine whether the indicia image format can be adjusted not tooverlap the one or more objects. The apparatus may, for example, alter,rearrange, and/or reposition the indicia image format to avoidoverlapping any objects on the mail piece. In some embodiments, a usermay provide input to determine how the indicia image format may beadjusted. The user may, for example, determine and/or direct how theindicia image format is to be rearranged and/or repositioned forprinting an indicia image on the mail piece without overlapping otherobjects. In some embodiments, the apparatus may automatically determinehow the indicia image format is to be adjusted and/or repositioned.According to some embodiments, the apparatus may iterate through avariety of strategies in an attempt to properly adjust, rearrange,and/or reposition the indicia image format.

In some embodiments, the indicia image format may not be capable ofbeing adjusted to prevent overlap of an object on the mail piece.According to some embodiments, the method 400 may revert to 406 toselect a different indicia image format. In some embodiments, theapparatus may prompt the user to make a determination. The apparatusmay, for example, notify the user of the inability to prevent overlapand/or may request that the user determine a course of action. The usermay, for example, determine that the method 400 is to revert to 406 andthat a different indicia image format be selected. In some embodiments,the user may command the apparatus to print the indicia image utilizingthe selected indicia image format despite the overlap. In the case thatthe overlap has been minimized by indicia image selections and/oradjustments made by the apparatus, for example, and/or the overlap issubstantially unavoidable, the user may desire that the indicia imageformat be used to print an indicia image on the mail piece nonetheless.

In the case that the indicia image format may be adjusted to avoidoverlapping objects printed on the mail piece, the method 400 maycontinue at 422 to adjust the indicia image format. According to someembodiments, once the indicia image format is adjusted to avoid overlapprinting, the method 400 may continue at 418 to print, on the mailpiece, an indicia image in accordance with the indicia image format. Insuch a manner, for example, an indicia image format may be selected thatresults in printing an indicia image on the mail piece that does notoverrun the mail piece and/or overlap objects on the mail piece.

According to some embodiments, the apparatus may also or alternativelyselect and/or prioritize indicia image format selection to conserveprinting resources. The apparatus may, for example, determine that aprinting resource is to be conserved (e.g., ink and/or toner isdetermined to be low and/or memory and/or battery power is determined tobe low) and automatically select an indicia image format configured toreduce the consumption of the printing resource. In some embodiments, auser may utilize a setup program to configure the apparatus. The usermay, for example, prioritize the prevention of overlap and/or overrunprinting over the conservation of printing resources. According to someembodiments, the user may specify if and/or when printing resources areto be conserved.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a system 500 according tosome embodiments is shown. The system 500 may, for example, be utilizedto implement and/or perform the methods 200, 400 described herein and/ormay be associated with the mail pieces 102, 302 described in conjunctionwith any of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and/or FIG. 4.In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. 5may be included in the system 500. According to some embodiments,different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations of systems maybe used.

In some embodiments, the system 500 may be or include postal indiciaprinting apparatus such as a personal postage meter. The system 500 mayalso or alternatively comprise a computer such as a Personal Computer(PC) or computer server. The system 500 may include, for example, one ormore processors 502, which may be any type or configuration ofprocessor, microprocessor, and/or micro-engine that is or becomes knownor available. In some embodiments, the system 500 may also oralternatively include one or more communication interfaces 504, one ormore input devices 506, one or more output devices 508, and/or a memorydevice 510, all and/or any of which may be in communication with theprocessor 502. The memory device 510 may store, for example, indiciaimage formats 512 and/or an indicia image format selection module 514.

The communication interface 504 may be or include any type and/orconfiguration of communication device that is or becomes known oravailable. In some embodiments, the communication device 504 may allowthe system 500 (and/or the processor 502) to communicate with, forexample, one or more other systems and/or devices such as otherpostal-related devices. According to some embodiments, the communicationinterface 504 may be or include a Network Interface Card (NIC) such asan Intel® PRO/1000 MT Desktop Adaptor that operates in accordance withthe Fast Ethernet LAN transmission standard 802.3-2002® published by theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or an Intel®PRO/Wireless 2225BG Network Connection that operates in accordance withthe Wireless LAN transmission standard 802.11B/G-1999/2003® published bythe IEEE.

The input device 506 may be or include one or more conventional devicessuch as a keypad or discrete buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball,etc. The input device 506 may be utilized, for example, by a user tointerface with the system 500 to select postal indicia image formatsand/or print postal indicia images in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein. The output device 508 may be or include any type ofoutput device that is or becomes known or practicable, including, butnot limited to, a printer, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display device, aLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) device, and/or a Light-Emitting Diode (LED)display device. In some embodiments, the output device 508 may be orinclude a printer to print postal indicia images in accordance with oneor more of the indicia image formats 512.

The memory device 510 may be or include, according to some embodiments,one or more magnetic storage devices, such as hard disks, one or moreoptical storage devices, and/or solid state storage. The memory device510 may store, for example, the indicia image formats 512 and/or theindicia image format selection module 514. In some embodiments, theindicia image format selection module 514 may store instructions thatcause the processor 502 to operate in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein. The indicia image format selection module 514 may, forexample, automatically select one of the indicia image formats 512 foruse in printing an indicia image on a mail piece.

In some embodiments, the system 500 and/or the processor 502 may, forexample, operate in accordance with any of the methods 200, 400described herein. According to some embodiments, the system 500 mayutilize the indicia image format selection module 514 to automaticallyselect an indicia image format 512 to utilize in printing an indiciaimage on a mail piece. The indicia image format 512 may be selected, forexample, to print an indicia image on the mail piece without overlappingobjects on the mail piece and/or without overrunning an edge of the mailpiece itself.

According to some embodiments, the indicia image format selection module514 may also or alternatively select an indicia image format 512 toconserve a printing resource. A user may direct the system 500, forexample, to automatically utilize the smallest indicia image format 512that is practicable for use in printing an indicia image on a given mailpiece and/or mail type. In some embodiments, the system 500 and/or theprocessor 502 may automatically determine that a printing resource is tobe conserved and may automatically select an indicia image format 512configured to conserve the printing resource.

In some embodiments, the system 500 may also or alternatively comprise ascanner 516. The scanner 516 may, for example, be any type and/orconfiguration of device capable of detecting, identifying, and/orotherwise determining the presence and/or characteristics of a mailpiece. According to some embodiments, the scanner 516 may be utilized todetermine a type of mail piece. The scanner 516 may, for example,determine one or more dimensions associated with a mail piece (e.g., amail piece inserted into the scanner 516 and/or otherwise associatedwith the system 500). In some embodiments, the scanner 516 may providescanning information to the processor 502 (e.g., to determine the mailpiece type and/or other characteristics).

Any or all components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 516 of the system 500may, according to some embodiments, be contained in and/or supported bya housing 518. The housing 518 may, for example, be a compact housingsuch as a compact housing of conventional postage meters. In the casethat the system 500 is a personal postage meter, for example, thehousing 518 may be or include a compact plastic housing that containsone or more of the components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 516. In someembodiments, such as in the case that the housing 518 houses the scanner516, the housing 518 may define an opening (not shown) that permits amail piece to be inserted into the system 500 to be scanned and/orprinted upon (e.g., a postal indicia image may be printed by the outputdevice 508).

In an alternative embodiment, the use of postal indicia strip tapes isfacilitated. Certain mailing machines and postage meters may printpostage indicia on strip tapes that may be later affixed to a mailpiece. In this embodiment, precut strip tapes of a certain length areutilized. When the mailing machine is placed in the strip tape-printingmode, the system prompts the user to enter or select the size of thestrip tapes that are being used. The system either prompts the user fora selection among commonly used strip tape sizes or requests entry ofthe length using the numeric keypad.

In another alternative embodiment, the mailing machine postage meterincludes the capability to print portions of the postal indicia basedupon a postal indicia field priority list. For example, a representativepostal indicia includes several field such as a 2D barcode includingpostage indicia data (priority level 1), a human readable indiciaportion that includes a postage amount, zip code, and meter number amongother human readable sub fields (priority level 2) and an inscription(priority level 3). Additionally, the postal indicia includes an adslogan (priority level 4). Depending on the size of the mail pieceavailable for printing, the system drops fields that will not fit inpriority order. If the mailing machine is also printing additionalfields such as a return address (priority level 5), tracking barcode(priority level 6) or other fields, those fields may also be assigned apriority for printing on a mail piece. In that way, the system maydetermine not to print the mail piece return address and instead print afull postal indicia. In an alternative setting, the system may print thereturn address, but instead select to print a short postal indicia dueto the presence and/or size of the return address field.

The words “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,”and “includes” when used in this specification and in the followingclaims are intended to specify the presence of stated features,elements, integers, components, or procedures, but they do not precludethe presence and/or addition of one or more other features, elements,integers, components, procedures, and/or combinations thereof.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of some embodiments. Accordingly, other embodimentsare within the scope of the following claims.

1. A method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus,comprising: storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image formatcomprising a first dimension; storing, in the apparatus, a secondindicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds toand differs from the first dimension; determining a size of a mailpiece; selecting one of the indicia image formats based at least in parton the determined size of the mail piece; and printing, on the mailpiece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia imageformat.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selecting comprises:comparing the first and second dimensions to the size of the mail piece;determining that at least one of the first and second dimensions aresmaller than the size of the mail piece; and selecting at least one ofthe first and second indicia image formats based on the determinationthat at least one of the first and second dimensions are smaller thanthe size of the mail piece.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theindicia image format associated with the smaller of the first and seconddimensions is selected such that the indicia image printed in accordancewith the indicia image format will not overrun an edge of the mailpiece.
 4. A method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus,comprising: storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image formatcomprising a first dimension; storing, in the apparatus, a secondindicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds toand differs from the first dimension; identifying a location of anobject printed on a mail piece; selecting one of the indicia imageformats based at least in part on the identified location of the objectprinted on the mail piece; and printing, on the mail piece, an indiciaimage in accordance with the selected indicia image format.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the object printed on the mail piececomprises at least one of a facing indication mark, a postage guide, areturn address, or a barcode.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein theobject printed on the mail piece comprises multiple objects.
 7. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the identifying of the location of the objectcomprises: sensing, by the apparatus, the location of the object printedon the mail piece.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensing isconducted by directing a signal toward the mail piece.
 9. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising: altering the selected indicia image formatbased at least in part on the identified location of the object printedon the mail piece.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the alteringcomprises: rearranging at least one portion of the indicia image formatsuch that the indicia image printed in accordance with the indicia imageformat will not overlap the object printed on the mail piece.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the altering comprises: reducing a font sizeused within the indicia image format.
 12. The method of claim 9, whereinthe altering comprises: deleting human-readable information from theindicia image format.
 13. A system, comprising: a postal indiciaprinting apparatus, comprising: a sensor to identify a mail piece; amemory device to store a plurality of postal indicia image formats; aprocessor to automatically select one of the plurality of postal indiciaimage formats, wherein the selection is based at least in part on theidentified mail piece; and a printing device to print, on the identifiedmail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected postalindicia image format.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor isfurther to locate one or more objects printed on the identified mailpiece.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the indicia image, whenprinted in accordance with the indicia image format, does not overlapthe one or more objects printed on the identified mail piece.
 16. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the indicia image, when printed inaccordance with the indicia image format, does not overlap an edge ofthe identified mail piece.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein one ofthe plurality of postal indicia image formats comprises a dimension thatdiffers from a corresponding dimension of a second one of the pluralityof postal indicia image formats.